Best Springtime Films to Watch This Season
With winter finally coming to a close, we could all use a bit of springtime brightness. This means packing up Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Krampus, and Elf for the season. We can’t let Christmas movies have all the fun! Instead, check out some of the best springtime films out there for all the flowers, Easter bunnies, and rebirth you could ask for. With direct ties to spring or more subtle springtime vibes, these movies will have you ready for petals and prom—without the threat of pollen you’ll find outside.
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Pride & Prejudice
Colin Firth and the BBC portrayal of the classic Jane Austen novel are wonderful. But, when I’m in the mood for something fit for springtime, there’s no contest—the 2005 adaptation reigns supreme. Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as the iconic Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, this film offers both literal springtime views in its sweeping countryside scenery and the more metaphorical iteration of rebirth in Lizzie and Darcy’s growth through pride and (you guessed it) prejudice.
Tuck Everlasting
I recently stumbled across Tuck Everlasting on Disney+ and it was like the best parts of my childhood came rushing back. Long before I discovered Alexis Bledel as the eponymous Rory Gilmore, I fell in love with Jesse Tuck alongside Winnie. I don’t remember where I got my copy of the Natalie Babbitt novel but it quickly became a favourite. It was a few years before I found out there was a film to go with it. Unsurprisingly, I was just as hooked then. With a magical spring (pun completely intended for the sake of this post) and plenty of beautiful springtime setting, Tuck Everlasting is a must-watch (and must-read!) chunk of springtime.
Get yourself a copy of the book from: Bookshop | BooksAMillion | AbeBooks
The Producers
Musical fans just might have “Springtime for Hitler” stuck in their head all season long. What can I say, the show-within-the-show was meant to be bad, but it’s so darn catchy! The Gene Wilder/Zero Mostel original 1967 film is great and, in a rare case, I’ve really enjoyed the 2005 adaptation of The Producers starring Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane.
hop
One of the more recent films on this list, this 2011 movie is an animation-live-action-hybrid. I actually saw it for the first time within the past two years or so! It’s hard not to love James Marsden and Kaley Cuoco in any context. But it’s even easier when they’re joined by adorable characters, like Russell Brand’s E.B.. Hop is a great spring film for the family (rated PG for “mild rude humour”), whether you celebrate Easter personally or you just want to watch a funny movie about the springtime holiday.
Easter Parade
This is actually the only film on this list that I haven’t yet watched myself. But it’s most definitely on my list! Starring the incomparable Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, Easter Parade tells the story of performer Don Hewes hiring Hannah Brown, a chorus girl, to prove that he can make anyone a star. Of course, there’s a bit of romance along the way, as well as plenty of musical numbers!
Alice in Wonderland
Whether you’re following the white rabbit or painting the roses red, the springtime vibes in Alice in Wonderland aren’t exactly subtle. With plenty of merch to complement the film (and much of it, of course, showcasing the iconic Cheshire Cat grin), you can watch this one at the start of the season but embrace the Alice in Wonderland aesthetic all year long. Personally, I prefer the animated Disney classic, but the Tim Burton adaptation featuring Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter is certainly valid, too.
A League of Their Own
For me, one of the best parts of spring starting is the arrival of the softball and baseball seasons. My grandfather was a long-time softball coach), so each season I’d come to the field with him It’s been years since I watched A League of Their Own, but I’m willing to bet those same fuzzy feelings come back with the sound of the bat hitting the ball!
Tangled
You didn’t think I was finished with animated films, did you? From the grassy hills Rapunzel rolls down and the magical flower that gives her hair its flowers to the personal renewal both she and Eugene face by the end of the film, you can’t deny the springtime feeling in Tangled. This Disney princess movie will leave you wanting to reach your dreams this spring (and likely humming “I’ve Got a Dream” while you do). And, of course, you can find plenty of Tangled merchandise, too, from collector-ready pins and dolls to a LEGO tower or plush Pascal!
10 Things I hate About You
Every good film list needs a high school romantic comedy—and a Shakespeare adaptation or two. 10 Things I Hate About You includes plenty of literal springtime, personal growth and new beginnings for its leads, and Heath Ledger at his most adorable alongside Julia Stiles. Believe it or not, I actually hadn’t seen this late-90s classic until watching it for a college course! Needless to say, I’m glad I did.
Whatever your favourite, the right movies can be the perfect start to a new season. Any of these springtime films will have you ready for all things spring!
Looking for more film recommendations? Check out our picks of the best movies for self-care days!
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What’s your favourite springtime film?
Fun fact! A League of Their Own was filmed near where I grew up and my mother in law is an extra in the movie! She’s part of the crowd at one of the games.
That’s so cool! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
ah love all of these! i’ll have to check them out in my next movie binge
Definitely some of my favourites! Hope you enjoy 🙂